Ventilated shoe outsole

ABSTRACT

A shoe is provided and includes a ventilated outsole that includes a recessed portion formed along an upper face of the outsole and has one or more openings formed along a ground contacting bottom face of the outsole. The shoe includes a ventilation insert disposed within the recessed portion. The ventilation insert includes a base layer that has through holes formed therein and a membrane that is coupled to the base layer. The base layer represents a bottom layer of the ventilation insert, while the membrane represents a top layer of the ventilation insert that are exposed over and cover the through holes formed in the base layer. The openings formed within the outsole are in communication with the recessed portion such that the ventilation insert is visible through the openings formed in the outsole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/776,227, filed Dec. 6, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/815,138, filed Mar. 7, 2019, all of which are incorporated by reference, as if expressly set forth in their respective entireties herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to the field of shoes and more particularly, the present invention is directed to a ventilated outsole of a shoe.

BACKGROUND

Shoes are commonly worn to protect the feet of the user. A shoe has a number of individual parts that are combined to form the finished shoe. For example, two of the major components of the shoe are the upper and the outsole. The upper is the entire part of the shoe that covers the foot, while the sole is the entire part of the shoe that sits below the wearer's foot. The outsole is the exposed part of the sole that is contact with the ground. As with all parts of the shoe, outsoles are made from a variety of materials. The properties the outsole need are typically: grip, durability, and water resistance. The sole is usually constructed of several layers, such as the: insole (the insole is the part of the sole that sits directly beneath the wearer's foot—its purpose is to provide a comfortable layer above the joining of the upper to the sole; midsole (a midsole can be found on some shoes and is a layer between the insole and the outsole); and the outsole (the outsole is the layer of the sole that is exposed to the ground). Due to the amount of wear and stress that is applied to the sole, the outsole is formed of a very durable material.

The foot is typically contained within a sock and this causes heating of the foot area and especially during exercising or warm weather, the foot can become warm and sweaty. Neither of these conditions is desirable and therefore, footwear, especially sneakers, are designed to provide ventilation. For example, the upper is formed with venting in mind. It is also desirable to optimize and provide increased venting in the shoe. The present invention addresses and provides a solution to these needs.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a shoe is provided and includes a ventilated outsole that includes a recessed portion formed along an upper face of the outsole and has one or more openings formed along a ground contacting bottom face of the outsole. The shoe includes a ventilation insert disposed within the recessed portion. The ventilation insert includes a base layer that has through holes formed therein and a membrane that is coupled to the base layer. The base layer represents a bottom layer of the ventilation insert, while the membrane represents a top layer of the ventilation insert that are exposed over and cover the through holes formed in the base layer. The openings formed within the outsole are in communication with the recessed portion such that the ventilation insert is visible through the openings formed in the outsole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a ventilated sole for footwear according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the ventilated sole;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a ventilation insert that is used in the ventilated sole;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a ventilated sole for footwear according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the ventilated sole;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a ventilation insert;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of a shoe showing an intermediate layer;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a base layer of the ventilated sole showing diagonal slit formation;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a base layer of the ventilated sole showing longitudinal slit formation;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a portion of a base layer having slits with divider walls;

FIG. 11 shows a honeycomb pattern for the base layer;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a ventilated sole that has two or more ventilated regions that differ from one another;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary tapered opening formed in the base layer of the ventilated shoe;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a membrane of the ventilated sole;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a ventilated sole for footwear according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the sole;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a ventilation insert;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the sole of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a ventilated sole for footwear according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a ventilation insert;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a ventilated sole for footwear according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a pair of membranes that are different than one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-22 thereof, a new and improved ventilated sole shoe construction embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 100 will be described. It will be appreciated that the sole shoe construction 100 (outer sole construction) can be used with any number of different types of footwear, such as shoes and sneakers.

The ventilated sole shoe construction 100 essentially comprises a conventional shoe including an upper (not shown) secured to an underlying outsole 110 including a heel portion 111. The ventilated shoe construction 100 is thus embodied in the form of outsole 110. The outsole 110 has a first (toe) end 112 and an opposing second (heel) end 114. The outsole 110 has a top surface 116 and an opposing bottom surface 118. The bottom surface 118 is a ground contacting surface, while the top surface 116 is the surface to which either a midsole or insole is attached and thus, the wearer's foot lies above the top surface 116.

In accordance with the present invention, the outsole 110 is ventilated and more specifically, the outsole 110 has at least one and preferably a plurality of through holes 120. The through holes 120 can be located in various locations of the outsole 110. For example, one of the through holes 120 can be located at least partially within the heel portion 111 and one or more of the through holes 120 can be located within a main forward portion 113 of the outsole 110 which lies outside the heel portion 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the main portion of the outsole 110 outside of the heel portion 111 includes several through holes 120.

It will be appreciated that each of the through holes 120 passes completely through the outsole 110 and the shapes and sizes of the through holes 120 can vary. In addition, the through holes 120 can be and typically are formed such that they have different shapes and/or sizes from one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the through hole 120 that is formed partially within the heel portion 111 has one end section that is formed in the heel portion 111 and a second end section that is formed in the main forward portion 113. The first and second end sections can have different shapes and/or sizes.

The inner wall that defines each through hole 120 can either be formed perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces 116, 118 or they can be formed at an angle (beveled edge).

The top surface 116 of the outsole 110 also includes a recessed portion 115. The through holes 120 are axially aligned with the recessed portion 115. In other words, the recessed portion 115 encompasses the through holes 120 and includes a perimeter ledge 125 that is formed along the outside perimeter of the through holes 120. The ledge 125 is thus also recessed relative to surrounding portions of the outsole 110 and thus, a perimeter edge 127 is formed and can be perpendicular to the floor of the recessed portion 115.

Other openings can be formed along the top surface 116 of the outsole 110 to permit attachment of the outsole 110 to other parts of the sole.

The outsole 110 can be formed of any number of different materials including but not limited to various polymers and rubbers, etc.

A ventilation insert 200 is provided and is sized and shaped for reception within the recessed portion 115. The ventilation insert 200 is the part of the ventilated outsole that permits the inside of the shoe to be ventilated. In particular, air is permitted to flow through the ventilation insert 200. Since the ventilation insert 200 is disposed over the through holes 120, air can freely flow within the through holes 120 and through the ventilation insert 200.

Preferably, when the insert 200 is disposed within the recessed portion 115, the insert 200 is flush or at least substantially flush with the top surface of the base layer 210 and seats along the top surface of the recessed portion 115.

The illustrated insert 200 is formed of two components, namely, a base layer 210 and a membrane 220 that is coupled to the base layer 210. The base layer 210 represents the bottom layer of the insert 200, while the membrane 220 represents the top layer.

Given its location in the outsole 110, the ventilation insert 200 must be flexible so as to accommodate the flexing and other normal movements of the outsole 110 during movement.

The base layer 210 ventilation insert 200 can thus be formed of any number of different elastic materials, including but not limited to various polymers, rubbers, etc. so as to allow for the required flexibility, etc.

The base layer 210 has one or more and preferably a plurality of openings 211 formed therein. For example, the openings 211 can be in the form of a plurality of slits formed therein. Each slit has an elongated shape.

The openings 211 are not limited to being a plurality of elongated slits but instead can be in the form of other shaped openings having various dimensions. The openings 211 can have regular shapes or irregular shapes. The sizes and shapes of the openings 211 should be selected in view of the fact that the openings 211 are fully accessible through the through holes in the outsole 110 and therefore, smaller openings 211 are typically preferred since this reduces the likelihood that foreign matter (e.g., a stick or pebble) or even liquid, such as rain or snow, can easily travel into the opening 211.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slits 211 are arranged horizontally and extend from side-to-side. The spacing of the slits 211 (i.e., distance between the slits 211) is uniform in the illustrated embodiment; however, it will be understood that it can be non-uniform in that the distances between the slits 211 can vary.

Since the width of the base layer 210 varies from the foot bed to the heel, the length of the slits 211 also varies. In other words, the slits 211 in the middle portion of the base layer 210 have lengths that are greater than the lengths of the slits 211 at the two ends of the base layer 210.

In addition, the slit 211 width can be uniform across all of the slits 211 as shown or the slits 211 can have non-uniform widths in that one or more slits 211 can have a width that is different than a width of one or more other slits 211.

The orientation of the slits 211 can be different and/or the spacing between the slits 211 can be varied. For example, the slits 211 can be oriented longitudinally (FIG. 9) or diagonally (FIG. 8) as opposed to being transversely oriented as shown.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the slit 211 can be formed to include or more divider walls 213 that divide the slit 211 into multiple open sections. The divider wall 213 extends across the slit 211 so as to subdivide the slit 211 into smaller open sections. The location of the divider wall 213 can be chosen and is not limited to a specific location, such as the middle of the slit 211. Instead, the locations chosen can differ from one slit to another slit and thus, create a pattern of slits having different appearances. The divider walls 213 are thus integral structures that are formed during the formation of the base layer 210.

The openings 211 can thus have multiple different shapes and/or sizes and can be randomly formed or can be formed and grouped in clusters such as having one set of openings of a first type in a first region of the base layer 210 and a second set of openings of a second type in a second region of the base layer 210.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the openings 211 can be in the form of a plurality of small discrete openings, such as small square shaped openings arranged in rows (staggered appearance of openings 211). Other shapes for the openings 211 can be a circle, a triangle, oval, etc.

The openings 211 formed in the base layer 210 can be formed using any number of techniques, such as molding techniques or even punch out process depending upon the type of material. Since the base layer 210 is formed of an elastic material, the openings 211 are traditionally formed using a molding process.

In yet another embodiment, the base layer 210 has a honeycomb shape in that the openings 211 can have honeycomb shapes as shown in FIG. 11. Like the square openings in FIGS. 1-3, the honeycomb shaped openings 211 can be arranged in rows and formed in both a uniform or non-uniform pattern.

The membrane 220 is formed of a material that is air permeable but also is weather resistant in that the membrane 220 does not freely allow moisture (water) to pass therethrough. Any number of different materials can be used to form the membrane 220 including but not limited to a mesh-like screen (e.g., formed of metal or from a polymer (e.g., nylon) or a film or fabric membrane that can be applied to the base layer 210 and attached (bonded) thereto. The membrane 220 serves to cover the openings 211 and thus provides another means for ensuring that unwanted debris or other foreign matter does not travel through the outsole through holes and the openings 211 of the base layer 210. The membrane 220 thus serves as a barrier that covers the vent holes formed in the insert 200 and the outsole 110. The membrane can have a mesh backbone and be coated with a suitable coating such as a resin, polymer, etc.

The membrane 220 can thus be selected from commercially available breathable fabrics that resist liquid passing through while allowing air to pass therethrough and are weather durable (e.g., waterproof or water repellant).

Also, when the membrane 220 is in the form of a mesh material, the screen or mesh size of the membrane 220 is selected so that liquid, such as water, cannot freely and easily travel therethrough. In other words, a smaller mesh size will reduce the likelihood that liquid passes therethrough. This is due to the surface interaction between the liquid droplets and the mesh material itself and more particularly, there is surface tension between the liquid and the mesh material.

Only a portion of the membrane 220 is truly open and permits air passage and in particular, only the portions of the membrane 220 that are disposed over the openings 211 formed in the base layer 210 are “open” and can allow air passage.

The membrane 220 is coupled to the base layer 210 using traditional techniques, such as by bonding (adhesive) or by a molding process during which the base layer 210 is formed. For example, the membrane 220 can be placed in the mold and then the mold material that forms the base layer 210 is injected resulting in the membrane 220 being embedded (impregnated) within the base layer 210 (along one face thereof). This technique is especially true for when the membrane 220 is in the form of a mesh screen. Most of the mesh screen membrane 220 is embedded within the base layer 210 at locations outside and surrounding the openings 211 and thus those screen openings are closed.

Given the open nature of the openings 211 and the nature of membrane, light transmission is also possible for at least some of the membranes 220 and in particular, light can travel through the openings 211 especially, when the membrane 220 is in the form of a mesh screen.

Instead of being incorporated into a part of a molding process, the membrane 220 can be bonded to the base layer 210 using other techniques, such as adhesive bonding, spot heat welds, etc.

As mentioned herein, the membrane 220 can be formed of other materials besides a mesh screen material. For example, as previously mentioned, the membrane 220 can be in the form of a film that is applied across the top surface of the base layer 210 much like how the mesh screen is applied. For example, the membrane 220 can be a GORE-TEX® material that has air permeability/breathability but also acts as moisture barrier. Other materials are equally possible so long as they perform the intended function of being air permeable but also acting at least in part as a liquid barrier. Other types of material can be in the form of a woven fabric or other membrane that have the properties described herein.

The dimensions listed in the drawings are merely exemplary in nature and not limiting of the present invention. In addition, the shape and size and locations of the through holes in the outsole are also only exemplary and not limiting.

It will also be understood that the insert 200 can have a different color compared to the color of the outsole 110. For example, the base layer 210 and/or the membrane 220 can have a color that is different than the color of the outsole 110. In one embodiment, the outsole 110 has a black color and the base layer 210 is either blue or red colored. When there is this color contrast, the color of the insert 200 is readily seen through the through holes formed in the outsole 110.

The top of the insert 200 that is shown in the figures is once again not visible since other parts of the shoe are disposed thereover so as to cover the insert 200. However, the overlying member that is disposed over the insert 200 must be air permeable so as to achieve the objective of venting the foot through the sole construction. The overlying member can thus have a plurality of holes formed therein with at least some and preferably a substantial number of these openings are axially aligned with the openings 211 and thus, also aligned with the through holes formed in the outsole 110.

As shown in FIG. 7, an intermediate layer 300 can be disposed over the insert 200 in a covering relationship and the intermediate layer 300 is secured to the insert 200 and/or the outsole 110. For example, a bond can be formed between the layer 300 and the insert 200 and/or outsole 110 using traditional techniques mentioned herein including the use of fasteners or adhesives or other means that results in a secure attachment between the layer 300 and the underlying structure.

The illustrated intermediate layer 300 can be in the form of a substrate that has perforations 301 formed therein. The intermediate layer 300 can be formed of a fibrous material or a polymer material or other suitable material. The intermediate layer 300 is typically a rigid structure and not cushioned.

Above the intermediate layer 300 there is typically, another layer which is a cushioned layer. This cushioned layer has air permeable characteristics to allow the venting of the foot through the cushioned layer all the way to the bottom outsole 110.

During normal wearing of the shoe, the insert 200 does not contact the ground since the outsole 110 lies below the insert 200 and the thickness of the outsole 110 spaces the insert 200 from the ground surface.

In yet another aspect of the present invention and as generally depicted in FIG. 12, the ventilated sole 100 can be formed to have two or more ventilated regions that differ from one another. For example, the toe area of the foot preferably receives full ventilation, while other areas of the foot, such as the heel may not require as much ventilation as the toe area. Thus, the base layer 210 can have a greater density of openings 211 in this toe area compared to the density of the openings 211 in the heel area. This greater density can be achieved by having a greater number of openings 211 and/or having openings 211 with larger dimensions (e.g., increased width and/or length).

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the openings 211 formed in the base layer 210 can have a tapered construction and more particularly, can be outwardly tapered in the direction toward the top surface of the base layer 210 on which the membrane 220 is disposed. In other words, each or at least some of the openings 211 is formed with an outwardly tapered construction in that the side wall of the opening 211 tapers outwardly toward the top surface. This results in the opening 211 having a reduced width (e.g., diameter) at the bottom of the opening 211, while the tapered opening 211 has a greater width (e.g., diameter) at the top of the opening 211. The membrane 220 thus covers the wider top section of the opening 211. The air inlet at the bottom section of the opening 211 has reduced dimensions and this can act as a deterrent to liquid flow into the opening 211 and/or to the entry of foreign matter into the opening 211. Since the entry point of the opening 211 has reduced dimensions, liquid (water) flow into the opening 211 is rendered more difficult since increased pressure would be needed to force the liquid into the smaller sized inlet section of the opening 211.

In another embodiment (shown in the figures), the side wall of the opening 211 can be parallel and formed perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the base layer 210.

The insert 200 is formed of a weather resistant material since the bottom of the insert 200 is exposed through the through holes formed in the outsole 110 and thus is open and exposed to the elements, such as water, debris, etc.

It is also understood that the bottom surface of the outsole 110 can have any number of different treads patterns or can have a more traditional smoother formal shoe appearance.

In yet another embodiment, the outsole can be formed to have two or more discrete inserts 200 and in particular, the outsole 110 is formed to have two or more complementary shaped recessed portions 115 which receive the discrete inserts 200. For example, one recessed portion 115 can be formed in the forefoot area where the wearer's toes are located, while another recessed portion 115 can be located in the heel area. When multiple inserts 200 are used, the inserts 200 can have the same construction or they can have different constructions. For example, different openings 211 and/or different membranes 220 can be used. The shapes and sizes of the different inserts 200 can also differ with the insert 200 being located in the heel portion typically having smaller dimensions.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another ventilated sole construction. Like the other embodiments, this ventilated sole construction includes outsole 110 and insert 200. The outsole 110 includes different shaped openings 120 including L shaped and Z shaped. The insert 200 is visible through the openings 120.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate another ventilated sole construction. Like the other embodiments, this ventilated sole construction includes outsole 110 and insert 200. The outsole 110 includes different shaped openings 120. The insert 200 is visible through the openings 120.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate another ventilated sole construction. Like the other embodiments, this ventilated sole construction includes outsole 110 and insert 200. The outsole 110 includes different shaped openings 120. The insert 200 is visible through the openings 120. The openings 120 are pin hole type holes arranged according to a selected pattern. The insert 200, as shown, includes many more openings than the openings 120 formed in the outsole 110.

As in all embodiments, the openings 120 are axially aligned with the openings 211 formed in the insert 200.

FIG. 18 illustrates another ventilated shoe construction. Like the other embodiments, this ventilated sole construction includes outsole 110 and insert 200. The outsole 110 includes different shaped openings 120. The insert 200 is visible through the openings 120. The openings 120 are pin hole type holes arranged according to a selected pattern. The insert 200, as shown, includes many more openings than the openings 120 formed in the outsole 110 and those openings can be greater than the others.

The present invention is thus directed to a ventilated sole construction that allows for ventilation of the footbed. The ventilated sole also can provide an aesthetic appeal since it can be formed in a different color than the outsole itself and thus, the appearance, color, and texture of the insert 200 is visible. Since the insert 200 has elastic properties that complement the outsole 110, the insert 200 provides the necessary comfort, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the openings 120 can be selectively and optionally closed by inserting closure members into the openings 120. The closure members can be frictionally held within the openings 120 so as to close off the opening 120. For example, the closure member can be in the form of a rubber or polymer structure that is frictionally held in the opening 120.

It will be understood that the in the figures in which insert 200 is indicated, the insert 200 includes the base layer 210 and the membrane 220.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate yet another aspect of the present invention. In particular, these figures illustrates that the insert 200 can include the base layer 210 and the membrane 220 can be in the form of more than one layer of material. In particular, the membrane 220 can constitute a first layer that can be any one of the membranes disclosed therein and can be in the form of a mesh layer and includes a second layer that is disposed over the first layer. The second layer is coupled to the first layer using traditional techniques including using an adhesive or bonding agent. When a wire mesh is used as the first layer, the second layer can be in the form of a fabric. For example, the second layer can be a water resistant fabric. In combination, the mesh and the fabric allow for transmission of air, while preventing or greatly reducing any water transmission or the like. One or more of the openings in the outsole includes the insert 200. Preferably, the footprints of the first layer (e.g., mesh) and the second layer (fabric) are the same or at least substantially the same.

Alternatively, the membrane 220 can be in the form of first and second layers that are both fabric layers. For example, a first fabric layer can be in the form of a water resistant fabric and a second fabric layer can be in the form of a GORETEX material (stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). The first fabric layer can be placed over the second fabric layer and alternatively, the second fabric layer can be disposed over the first fabric layer. These two layers are disposed over and attached to the base layer 210 (which can be a plastic grid member that has openings formed therein). As described herein, the openings in the plastic grid member permit air to flow therethrough and the overlying fabric layers are air permeable but water resistive and thus, water or moisture from outside the shoe cannot enter into the footbed of the shoe. While two layers are described as being combined it will be appreciated that more than two layers can be used or as in the other embodiments, only a single fabric layer can be used as in the case that the wire mesh is eliminated and the fabric layer or fabric layers are secured to the base layer 210 (plastic layer).

FIG. 21 shows a shoe in which the outsole has a plurality recessed portions 115. In this embodiment, the ventilation insert comprises only membranes 220 and not base layers. The membranes 220 can thus be flexible fabric that is laid within the recessed portions 115. As shown, the recessed portions are separated from one another and are two discrete recessed portions. The shapes and sizes of the recessed portions 115 can be different. The membranes 220 can be covered with the intermediate layer shown and described herein. Also, the membranes 220 can be adhered within the recessed portions 115 using traditional techniques, such as adhesives, bonding agents, or can be attached during a molding process. Within FIG. 21 embodiment, the membrane 220 can be attached to base layer 210 to form insert 200 as described herein and in this case, the inserts 200 are laid into the recessed portions.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a pair of membranes 220 that are different than one another. The membranes 220 can have different constructions, such as being formed of different materials and/or different constructions. The air permeability of the two membranes 220 can be different. For example, one membrane 220 can be intended for placement in one region that it is desired for more air flow.

It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It should be noted that use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Overall, the subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe comprising: a ventilated outsole that includes a recessed portion formed along an upper face of the outsole and has one or more openings formed along a ground contacting bottom face of the outsole; and a ventilation insert disposed within the recessed portion, wherein the ventilation insert includes a base layer that has through holes formed therein and a membrane that is coupled to the base layer, the base layer representing a bottom layer of the ventilation insert, while the membrane represents a top layer of the ventilation insert that are exposed over and cover the through holes formed in the base layer, wherein the openings formed within the outsole are in communication with the recessed portion such that the ventilation insert is visible through the openings formed in the outsole.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the base layer comprises a flexible plastic part and the membrane comprises a flexible air permeable membrane.
 3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the flexible air permeable membrane comprises a screen.
 4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein membrane comprises a layer of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the bottom face of the outsole includes a plurality of grooves and the one or more openings are formed within the plurality of grooves.
 6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the one or more openings comprises pin holes formed in the grooves.
 7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole includes a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion and the ventilation insert comprises a first ventilation insert that is disposed within the first recessed portion and a second ventilation insert that is disposed within the second recessed portion.
 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the first ventilation insert and the second ventilation insert are formed of different materials.
 9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein first ventilation insert has a first air permeability value and the second ventilation insert has a second air permeability value that is different than the first ventilation insert.
 10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes are slits formed transversely across a width of the base layer.
 11. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the through holes are slits formed diagonally or longitudinally within the base layer.
 12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes comprise slits formed within the base layer, each slit having internal divider walls that divide each slit into a plurality of open slit segments.
 13. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes comprises discrete openings formed in a pattern across the base layer.
 14. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the discrete openings are square shaped.
 15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the base layer has a honeycomb shaped footprint and the through holes are hexagonal shaped cells.
 16. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes formed in the base layer includes a first set of through holes and a second set of through holes that have a different shape than the first set of through holes.
 17. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes formed in the base layer are formed in a first density within a first region of the base layer and a second density within a second region of the base layer.
 18. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the through holes formed in the base layer have a tapered construction in that the through hole is wider at a top end and is narrower at a bottom end. 